China warns Japan after ‘red line’ crossed on Taiwan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo- Collected_11zon

Taipei, Nov 24 (AP/UNB) — China accused Japan of crossing a diplomatic “red line” after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Tokyo could consider military action if China blockaded Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that Takaichi’s comments — implying Japan might respond militarily to any Chinese move against the self-ruled island — were “shocking” and sent a “wrong signal” of attempted intervention. His remarks were published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website.

“It is shocking that Japan’s current leaders have publicly suggested military involvement in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldn’t have said, and crossed a red line that should not be touched,” Wang said, adding that China must “resolutely respond” and warning all countries to help prevent “the resurgence of Japanese militarism.”

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have risen sharply since Takaichi’s remarks. On Friday, China sent a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accusing Japan of a “grave violation of international law” and diplomatic norms.

China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong wrote that any Japanese attempt to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait would constitute “an act of aggression,” warning that China would firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law.

Beijing considers Taiwan — a former Japanese colony — part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. China strongly opposes involvement from other countries, particularly the United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, and its regional allies Japan and the Philippines.

Takaichi, whose position is considered more hawkish than her predecessors, has maintained her stance. While she has declined to discuss specific scenarios, she has refused to retract her earlier remarks.